Danish bulker operator Ultrabulk has promoted chief operations officer Hans-Christian Olesen as its new chief executive.

The experienced executive, who has been with the company for nearly 35 years, is taking over from Per von Appen, who becomes the chairman.

Von Appen, part of the family that controls Chilean parent group Ultranav, became CEO for a second time in August last year after long-serving boss Per Lange stepped down.